Thousands of cancer sufferers misdiagnosed
22 | 02 | 12
Recent press reports suggest that thousands of cancer patients
may have been misdiagnosed at the Bristol Royal Infirmary.
A review of biopsies was carried out amidst concerns raised by
doctors of pathology testing standards following an increase in
cancer misdiagnoses at the hospital. The inquiry revealed that a
possible 7,000 serious errors may have occurred over a decade.
The inquiry was ordered by the United Hospitals Bristol Trust
(UHBT) which runs the Bristol Royal Infirmary. In the inquiry
26 cases of suspected cancer misdiagnosis were examined with
findings suggesting that only seven had been diagnosed correctly. A
further 3,500 cases were also examined, with the results
highlighting a cancer misdiagnosis rate of 3.4%.
Each year the Bristol Royal Infirmary examines an estimated
20,000 biopsies suggesting a cancer misdiagnoses rate of 6,800.
Between 2004 and 2009 six consultants, and more than 10 NHS
doctors, working at nearby North Bristol Trust raised concerns
about biopsies at the Bristol Royal Infirmary. A lack of action
prompted these concerns to be made public, triggering the
inquiry.
Stephen Webber, Partner and Head of
the top ranked Medical Negligence team at Hugh James solicitors
acts for number of patients affected by cancer misdiagnosis.
Stephen says “Cancer misdiagnosis is a major concern for the
public across the UK and I’m astonished by the outcome of this
inquiry into this hospital’s pathology testing. Misdiagnosis
of cancer has a devastating impact on a patient’s chances of
survival and leads to terrible tragedy for many patients and their
families. I would hope lessons have been learnt and action is taken
to improve standards”.
The UHBT has apologised to patients affected by cancer
misdiagnosis and accepted the inquiry’s findings, and are now
focused on implementing their recommendations. An inquiry spokesman
said that no safety concerns had been found following the
investigation.